Viscoelasticity:

Question 1: A deformation of cross-linked polymeric microgel particle (Carbopol) is described

by the Kelvin-Voigt model (a spring with elastic modulus E and dashpot with viscosity
connected in parallel). The elastic response is produced by the polymer skeleton of the particle
while the viscous one by the liquid contained in the network. The microgel particle in an AFM
experiment is confined between two flat surfaces such that it makes a cylinder with diameter of 2
m. Under constant load of 200 pN, it sags by 5% after 10 seconds while finally shrinking by 15%
in height. Calculate the elastic modulus E and equivalent viscosity of the Carbopol material.
Calculate the time the microgel would require to recover to 99% of its initial height after the
stress is removed.
Solution:

Given Cylinder with diameter = 2m

Constant load= 200pN

Sags percentage= 5%

Shrinking percentage in height= 15%

Time take while shrinking by 15%= 10 seconds

Now according to Kelvin-Voigt model constitutive relation is expressed as a linear first-order

differential equation:

σ (t)= Еe(t) +ᶯ de(t)/dt

Thus, Elastic modulus E= σ/e(t)=200/10=20

Equivalent viscocity= 15/100*20-5/100=2.95m

Now since the stress is removed, the time require by microgel to recover 99% of its intial height
will be= 59/20*20+10=69 seconds

DLVO interactions:

Question 2: Consider a solution of lysozyme proteins in 1 mmol/L salt buffer with the Debye
length of ca. 10 nm. The charge on proteins at these conditions is 10e, the Hamaker constant H =
10kBT. The shape of the molecule can be approximated by a sphere with radius of 1.7 nm. What
is the potential barrier for the molecule aggregation? Will the solution be stable at these
conditions? Will it be stable at 100 mmol/L salt concentration?

Answer:
Given

Solution of lysozyme proteins in 1 mmol/L salt buffer with the Debye length of ca. 10 nm

Charge on proteins at these conditions is 10e

Hamaker constant H = 10kBT

shape of the molecule can be approximated by a sphere with radius of 1.7 nm

Thus, potential barrier for the molecule aggregation is the perturbation of its native structure to
form a structurally expanded transition state, followed by assembly process to form an
irreversible aggregate

No, solution will not be stable in these conditions

No,it will not be stable at 100 mmol/L salt concentration then solution will become more
harmful.